Some cases require continued advocacy and the exploration of all available legal pathways to support veterans impacted by treatment-related harm.

For example, one Vietnam-era veteran with a history of chemical exposures in service developed skin cancer on his face. A Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital classified the condition as life-threatening and performed surgery, which led to significant complications including hearing loss, chronic headaches, facial disfigurement and functional impairment.

The same VVA veteran service officer (VSO) who initiated the original claim and a secondary service connection claim submitted arguments under 38 U.S.C. § 1151, which provides for compensation due to injuries caused by VA healthcare negligence. The veteran had a favorable compensation and pension (C&P) exam and is awaiting an official rating decision.

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where we do not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.

Success Stories

VSOs Speed Claims Review to Deliver Benefits

Thanks to VVA veteran service officers (VSOs), initial claims sometimes sail through review, delivering benefits to deserving veterans quickly. A female Gulf War Marine veteran recently submitted a claim for compensation for 13 service-connected conditions. The initial decision awarded service connection for four conditions, putting nine on deferred status. The veteran’s spouse was added as […]

PTSD Claim Prevails With Evidence of Sexual Trauma

A VVA Veteran Service Officer (VSO) in Massachusetts recently worked with a veteran who had suffered Military Sexual Trauma (MST) while in service. The veteran was hesitant to make a claim due to its sensitive nature and considered withdrawing the claim repeatedly. The VSO was confident that the veteran had provided sufficient evidence of MST […]

Surviving Spouse Receives $79K, DIC Following Appeal

Working with a VVA Veteran Service Officer (VSO), the surviving spouse of a disabled Vietnam veteran recently won a victory at the Board of Veterans Appeals. The spouse had been denied DIC benefits in 2021 but believed that her husband’s death to be related to his disability. The VSO created a plan with the spouse […]

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Cancer Treatment Results in Additional Claim

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